What is the purpose of a Subsidiary Motion?

A subsidiary motion serves the purpose of facilitating the assembly's decision-making process regarding a main motion. This type of motion is designed to help a group in managing how they handle and dispose of the main motion effectively. By using subsidiary motions, members can propose actions, such as amending, tabling, or referring the main motion to a committee, all of which assist in clarifying or resolving the main issue under discussion.

In essence, subsidiary motions provide a structured way to refine, alter, or manage the main motion, ensuring that discussions remain orderly and focused. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining parliamentary procedure, as it allows members to introduce specific actions that can influence the final decision without getting off track from the main topic.